By Dr. Jeff Kephart
Palm Sunday is considered a great day of Praise (John 12:12-15)
Problem: Just a few days later, they would be calling for his crucifixion! Something’s not right…look closer…(John 12:12-18)
This looks like “Because of” praise. That kind can be fickle if things don’t go our way.
A far more powerful type of praise is “in spite of” praise. (Acts 16:16-18)
In the all too common “math” of many Christians, this should result in good things. But instead, things go south… (Acts 16:19-24)
What happens when the “because of” motivation fades? (Acts 16:25)
“In spite of” praise gives God honor for who He is, regardless of what is happening in my life at the moment. It has great spiritual power. (Acts 16:26)
“In spite of” praise impacts spiritual reality. (Acts 16:27-33)
And then comes the even more amazing part… (Acts 16:35-39)
“In spite of” praise is rooted in faith that God is always up to something, even when we don’t see it.
This Palm Sunday, which type of praise are you giving? No matter what you are experiencing, your choice to praise matters!